What is video management software?

Video management software running on a Windows or Unix/Linux server, supplies the basis for video monitoring, analysis, and recording. A wide range of software is available, based on the users' requirements. A standard Web browser provides adequate viewing for many network video applications, utilizing the Web interface built into the network camera or video server especially if only one or a few cameras are viewed at the same time.

To view several cameras at the same time, dedicated video management software is required. A wide range of video management software is available. In its simplest form, it offers live viewing, storing and retrieving of video sequences. Advanced software contains features such as:

Simultaneous viewing and recording of live video from multiple cameras
Several recording modes: continuous, scheduled, on alarm and on motion detection
Capacity to handle high frame rates and large amounts of data
Multiple search functions for recorded events
Remote access via a Web browser, client software and even PDA client
Control of PTZ and dome cameras
Alarm management functions (sound alarm, pop-up windows or e-mail)
Full duplex, real-time audio support
Video intelligence

Example from AXIS Camera Station user interface

Application development
Axis offers video management software to suit different needs. In order to facilitate an even wider selection of software, it is possible for independent developers and partners to integrate Axis video products into their applications.

Axis has developed and supports a standardized instruction suite of CGI (Common Gateway Interface) programs. These instructions collectively comprise Axis' HTTP Application Programming Interface (API). In their simplest form, CGI instructions for motion detection, event triggering, alarm notification via e-mail, remote video storage and so forth, can be typed directly into the URL of a Web browser.

Axis has also developed and released a Software Development Kit (SDK), which contains components and documentation to help developers integrate Axis video products in Windows applications. Furthermore, it is possible to write scripts that run on the video products, which makes it possible to tailor the functionality of network video products to meet specific needs.